NORWICH – Catholic parishioners of Norwich took one last chance Thursday night to openly offer the ideas they believe can sure-up and clarify the final proposal that will eventually guide their congregational futures.

An abridged parish council from St. Bartholomew’s and St. Paul’s Church comprised of Father Douglas Cunningham, President Ron Storrin, Trustee Theresa Blenis, and Secretary Christine Carnrike heard over a dozen presentations in the Holy Family School gymnasium asking for additions, subtractions and some general changes to “The Pastoral Plan.” The proposal was requested by the Diocese of Syracuse in March, and was recently formulated by a planning sub-committee based on a compilation of written submissions, and will be sent to Bishop James Moynihan for review by Thanksgiving, committee members said.

Several presenters had common issues with portions of the document’s demographic studies, listing of church assets, financial structuring, breakdown of the parish council and language, as it pertains to furthering the positive representations of both churches.

Also included was a call for the aesthetic, historical and spiritual identity of St. Bartholomew’s Church to be conveyed.

“Nowhere in this plan is it stated that the main asset of St. Bartholomew’s is the magnificence of the church,” said Joanne Taranto Baker. “I pray that St. Bartholomew’s church will be saved as a tribute to those hard working Italian immigrants, as a work of art and as a place of God.”